While flowers, chocolates, and wine are perfectly good romantic gestures, they feel a little less special when enjoyed on your own couch. Want true romance? A getaway to one of these romantic destinations is just the thing. Whether you and your partner prefer wine tastings, outdoor adventures, or the exciting nightlife in an urban environment, we have a romantic Virginia trip that will suit your tastes!
The Wine Lover’s Sanctuary
Wedmore Place—Williamsburg
Photo Credit: Ron Magee
A European-style country hotel in Williamsburg with 28 unique rooms and suites, Wedmore Place shares the property with The Williamsburg Winery. Select rooms are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your four-legged loves with you on your getaway. Book a winery tour and savor a flight to experience a selection of award-winning wines, and don't miss dining at Gabriel Archer Tavern, the on-site restaurant that offers the freshest seafood harvested from the Chesapeake Bay.
Alternate Option: Afton Mountain Vineyard Cottages—Afton
Choose from five cottages on the Afton Mountain Vineyards property for an intimate and quiet wine retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Charlottesville.
Couples that Embrace the Outdoors
Breaks Interstate Park Luxury Cabins—Breaks
photo credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos
For an outdoor getaway that is both affordable and exciting, plan a stay at Breaks Interstate Park. They have several options for overnight accommodations, which are especially affordable during off-season (December 1-March 31); rates for single rooms start at just $65 per night, and full cottages run from just $125. There are more than 25 miles of hiking trails winding through the park and 12 miles of mountain bike trails with varying lengths, which range in skill level from moderate to expert.
Couples can get their adrenaline fix on the latest park adventure: the Canyon Rim Zipline. Three zip line sections run across the Russell Fork River Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the South”. A short drive from the park, Spearhead Trails has hundreds of miles of additional trails for ATV, dirt bike, and mountain bike riders; many of the trails are also open to hikers.
Alternate Option: Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort—Farmville
Sandy River’s lodging options include three cabins, a cottage, and the new 20-foot luxury glamping tipis with full kitchens and bathrooms. The 23-acre property has an adventure park complete with over 60 high rope obstacles and a zip line, and a farm section where visitors can meet the animals or even collect eggs from resident hens. The park provides bike rentals for outdoor couples looking to ride the nearby High Bridge Trail.
Wake Up to Scenic Mountain Views
Lilly Valley Inn—Pearisburg
Overlooking the Appalachian Mountains with the New River running below, the Lilly Valley Inn is a prime spot for mountain lovers. Each room opens to a deck with breathtaking views of the mountains where couples can catch awe-inspiring sunsets. Afterward, warm up by the inn’s stone fireplace with a glass of Virginia wine. Start the day with breakfast made by the inn's owner and internationally-trained Chef Lilly, then explore the surrounding mountains on one of the nearby trails, like the four-mile hike to the stunning Cascades Falls.
Alternate Option: Iris Inn Bed & Breakfast—Waynesboro
The Iris Inn is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, overlooking the storied Shenandoah Valley. Only three miles from Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this mountain retreat offers plenty of activities within a short drive, including 12 vineyards and countless historic landmarks.
Couples on the Coast
Smithfield Station Inn—Smithfield
photo credit: Elizabeth Condit, @ellyconditphotography
In Smithfield’s Historic District along the Pagan River waterfront, the Smithfield Station Inn is a peaceful and romantic coastal retreat for couples. Many of the rooms have electric or gas fireplaces, perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere, as well as Jacuzzi and oversized baths. Make dinner reservations at the Station, the on-site restaurant that offers panoramic views of the river (especially romantic during sunset).
Stroll down the Smithfield Station scenic waterfront boardwalk hand-in-hand, or take the inn’s complimentary bicycle rentals out for a leisurely ride along the coast. The inn has several packages available for Valentine’s Day, including the “Celebrate Your Valentine”, “Riverfront Romance”, or “Romantic Weekend Getaway” packages.
Alternate Option: The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club—Virginia Beach
One of Virginia Beach’s most luxurious retreats, The Cavalier Hotel features elegant guestrooms with plenty of amenities, a resort spa dedicated to rejuvenating and relaxing guests, the only on-site hotel distillery in the country, and a luxurious hotel-guests-only oceanfront beach club.
Relaxing in Luxury
The Inn at Willow Grove—Orange
photo credit: Aaron Watson, @aaronwatsonphotography
The Inn at Willow Grove is a boutique hotel nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that caters to luxury-loving couples. A restored 18th-century plantation home, the inn blends southern charm with all the modern amenities you expect in a luxury resort, including an upscale spa with a wide array of pampering treatments.
An overnight stay at the inn includes hors d’œuvres in the Salon during the early evening, sweet treats and tea at turn-down, homemade beignets and coffee delivered to your door in the morning, and concierge butler service throughout your stay. Stay in one of the inn’s renovated rooms, or book one of the newly built cottages on the property for a little extra privacy. Don’t miss out on dining at Vintage, Willow Grove’s on-site restaurant that was awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating.
Alternate Option: The Jefferson Hotel—Richmond
A classic romantic retreat, the Jefferson has been a staple in the luxury hotel scene since 1895. With impeccable décor throughout and an on-site salon, spa, and two restaurants, the hotel is the definition of opulence.
For the Craft Beer Couple
The Inn at Blue Mountain Brewery—Afton
If you’re interested in planning a craft brew getaway for several couples (or just an overnight brewery trip with a group of friends), consider booking the Inn at Blue Mountain Brewery. This 4,000 square foot cottage has five bedrooms, three and a half baths, a game room complete with a pool table, and a fully stocked kitchen. This cottage retreat sits adjacent to its namesake, Blue Mountain Brewery, a brewery and full-service restaurant serving up excellent sandwiches, brick oven pizzas, and much more to go with your frosty craft beers.
During warmer months, grab a seat on the outdoor patio and admire the gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding countryside. The inn is conveniently located along the Nelson 151 Trail, which is comprised of four breweries, six wineries, two distilleries, and three cideries (and is also just a short drive from about a dozen more craft breweries!).
Ultimate Urban Escapes
Hotel Indigo—Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria’s only waterfront hotel, the Hotel Indigo is close to numerous restaurants and bars for those couples interested in exploring the local nightlife. Romance abounds at the hotel, from the quaint cobblestone streets to the beauty of the sunsets seen over the Potomac. Nab a table at the critically-acclaimed Vermilion Restaurant for a memorable meal with your sweetheart and cross the river into Washington D.C. for even more evening entertainment.
Alternate Option: Quirk Hotel—Richmond
Stay at Richmond’s Quirk Hotel for a romantic getaway in the heart of Virginia’s capital city. The hotel is within walking distance of many highly-rated restaurants, bars, and shops, but if you don’t feel like leaving the premises, grab a seat at the lobby bar or in warmer weather, head up to the rooftop bar for a delicious cocktail and an unforgettably romantic view of the city.
Rural Retreats
Blue Rock Inn—Washington
For a quiet country getaway, consider booking a room at the Blue Rock Inn, just down the road from the charming town of Washington. Situated on eighty acres in the heart of wine country, this idyllic country inn is ideal for those couples looking for a little peace & quiet away from the bustle of everyday life. Travel up the road to experience the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Virginia at The Inn at Little Washington (though quite pricey, the meal is more than worth it).
Alternate Option: Cooper’s Landing Inn—Clarksville
Looking to explore the bucolic countryside of southern Virginia with your partner? Book a stay at Cooper’s Landing Inn, located in the lakeside town of Clarksville. This romantic resort offers some of the amenities of a large resort (in-room massage services and prepared picnic lunches) in an intimate romantic setting.
Whether you're a beach lover or prefer cozying up in the mountains, Virginia has no shortage of romantic destinations. Here are a few more romantic retreats for couples looking for a memorable getaway:
- Marina Bay Hotel & Suites—Chincoteague
- Graduate Hotel—Richmond
- Airlie—Warrenton
- The Tides Inn—Irvington
- Foxfield Inn—Charlottesville
- Salamander Middleburg—Middleburg
- Primland Resort—Meadows of Dan
- Mountain Lake Lodge—Pembroke
- Keswick Hall—Keswick
- Goodstone Inn & Restaurant—Middleburg
- The Omni Homestead—Hot Springs
- Archer Old Town Alexandria—Alexandria
- Hotel Cape Charles—Cape Charles
- The Martha Hotel & Spa—Abingdon
- Berry Hill—Halifax
- The Inn at Wise—Wise
- Clifton Inn—Charlottesville